Nutrition is a vital part of skincare, but it’s often left out of the discussion. What we eat and drink affects the body’s ability to protect, heal, and maintain itself. Luckily, this is the most delicious part of building a healthy routine!

Why are drinks important? 

Our skin needs specific nutrients to perform key functions. Take collagen, for example. It’s a protein naturally produced in the skin, which gives it firmness and elasticity. Collagen synthesis, the process that makes it, can’t happen without enough Vitamin C. 

Food offers us a lot of the nutrients we need in our daily intake. The problem is it can take a while for the digestive system to break solids down. Our bodies have a much easier time absorbing liquids, making it easier to deliver the right nutrients throughout the day.

Most importantly, drinks are the main way we get water in our system. Hydration is crucial in beauty and healthcare. It keeps the skin moisturized and plump, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and protecting the cells from damage.

When to drink for radiant skin

You can start your journey to glowing skin just by making sure you get enough water every day. Waking up with a glass of water will replenish the water lost during sleep and rehydrate the skin. It also helps flush out harmful toxins to protect your immune system.

A drink in the evening is just as beneficial. As for the day itself, it’s always a good idea to grab a drink after exercise or time in the sun to avoid dehydration. 

Hydration is the foundation of good health, but it doesn’t have to be bland. Maximize your daily intake with these delicious drinks that help promote radiant skin!

What to drink for radiant skin

When it’s hot

Excessive heat can dehydrate the body and strip moisture from the skin. Stay cool and replenish yourself with these summer-time favorites!

Lemon-infused water

Lemons are amazing fruits that come with a long list of health benefits. They’re a rich source of Vitamin C, citric acid, and antioxidants. Vitamin C helps keep the skin hydrated for longer while promoting healthy cell growth.

Lemon water is a great way to add these nutrients to your morning drink. Add a teaspoon of honey for a little sweetness. Honey is another powerful anti-inflammatory that removes toxins for clearer skin.

Fruit juice 

When it comes to skincare, fruit juices work like the concentrated version of infused water. Store-bought juices are fine, especially for apple, mango, and blended juices. If you have citrus on hand, freshly squeezed orange juice is an excellent source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, potassium, and citric acid.

Citric acid is particularly good at unclogging pores and brightening skin tone. Vitamin A helps strengthens the surface layer of skin, reducing wrinkles and fine lines. 

Fruit juice has a higher sugar content than infused water, so it’s best in moderation. A glass in the morning should give you all the nutrients your skin needs for the day.

When it’s cold 

We drink less water in cold weather because we retain more of it. Still, if you want healthy skin in winter, try one of these warmer drinks!

Herbal teas

Drinking warm water relaxes the muscles while increasing blood flow. Better circulation carries more oxygen to the skin, nourishing the cells. Herbal teas are the perfect source of antioxidants to support these benefits.

Green tea’s polyphenolic compounds slow down cell breakdown. Lavender tea’s antibacterial properties reduce skin infection, while ginger tea can help even skin tone.

 Matcha

While herbal teas are brewed, matcha comes in powder form. Like fruit juice, it’s the concentrated version, delivering more powerful benefits. Matcha offers an extra nutrient, though: Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).

The International Journal of Molecular Science suggests that EGCG could play a vital role in skin hydration, moisture retention, and reducing wrinkles.

For a treat

Skincare doesn’t have to stop on a cheat day. You can treat your skin to essential nutrients even when you want a drink for enjoyment!

Red wine

Red wine is rich in antioxidants, but why is that so important for the skin?

Sun exposure can cause damage through harmful UV rays. Overexposure produces free radicals in the skin. These unstable molecules damage the cells through a process called oxidative stress. 

Antioxidants stabilize free radicals and bring the body back into balance. Flavonoid, resveratrol, and tannin are the main antioxidants found in red wine. They work together to maintain healthy levels of collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for firm and supple skin.

That said, alcohol is a natural inflammatory, so moderation is key. One glass a day is enough to get the benefits of red wine while limiting any negative impact. 

Coffee

Coffee grounds are a popular exfoliant in the beauty industry, but the drink offers some great benefits too! It’s an antioxidant, and rich in anti-inflammatory compounds like caffeine and chlorogenic acids.

In healthy amounts, caffeine’s vasoconstrictive properties can reduce inflammation and puffiness. Chlorogenic acids support anti-aging by protecting skin cells from UV damage. As a stimulant, coffee also stimulates better circulation, but the effects only last for a few hours at a time. 

While coffee is a big part of many mornings, we’ve put it down as a treat because that’s when it’s most beneficial. 400mg (roughly four cups) or less is the healthiest range if you drink coffee daily. 

For the ultimate health boost 

Vegetable smoothies

Smoothies are usually fruit-based, and you can get all of the same benefits from them! This is just a healthier alternative. Vegetable-based smoothies offer added minerals while keeping the sugar content low. 

Broccoli, sprouts, and tomatoes are rich in Vitamin C. Leafy greens are packed with Vitamin E, C, B, iron, calcium, lutein, and beta-carotene. Spinach, kale, lettuce, and beet greens are outstanding ingredients to add to any smoothie. 

Sip Your Way to Glowing Skin

Our diets affect every aspect of our health. These drinks will help promote healthy skin one glass at a time. Try them in the morning for the best results, and see how you feel after just one week!